Starting My WSET Level 1 Wine Journey with Napa Valley Wine Academy 🍷

“Every bottle of wine... is an opportunity to learn something.”

— Kirsten Georgi

Y’all… I finally did it—I’m officially diving into my WSET Level 1 Wine Certification with Napa Valley Wine Academy! If you’ve been following my journey, you know I’m serious about building a career in wine, and this is my first official step toward making it happen. So, if you’re curious about what it takes to get certified or just want to follow along for the ride, let’s get into it!

What is WSET Level 1?

WSET (Wine & Spirit Education Trust) is like the gold standard for wine certifications. Level 1 is the beginner-friendly introduction, perfect for anyone who wants to get a solid foundation in wine. Think of it as Wine 101 but with a little more structure (and a lot more fun).

With Napa Valley Wine Academy, I get to study completely online at my own pace, which is clutch because, let’s be real—life is busy. You can complete the course in as little as 4 weeks, but you also have up to 12 months to finish if you need extra time.

What Am I Learning?

Even though it’s a beginner course, WSET Level 1 covers a lot, including:
✅ Different wine styles (red, white, sparkling, and everything in between)
✅ How to properly taste and describe wine (no more “this tastes good” 😅)
✅ Basic food and wine pairing rules
✅ How to serve and store wine like a pro

The best part? It’s not just about reading and memorizing facts—you actually taste wine and apply what you learn.

How Do the Tasting Classes Work?

This is where things get fun! WSET follows a structured Systematic Approach to Tasting (fancy, I know), but it’s really about training your senses to break down what you’re experiencing in a glass. Instead of just saying “I like this” or “This tastes fruity,” I’m learning how to pick up specific aromas, acidity, sweetness, and tannins.

For WSET Level 1, I’ll be tasting a mix of red, white, and sparkling wines—some I already love and some that’ll be brand new to me. Napa Valley Wine Academy even provides a recommended wine list, so I can sip and study at the same time. Best kind of homework, right?

What’s Next?

At the end of the course, there’s a multiple-choice exam to officially earn my WSET Level 1 Certification. And once I pass? We’re onto Level 2, baby!

If you’re thinking about getting into wine, I highly recommend starting with WSET Level 1. It’s fun, informative, and a great way to feel more confident in your wine knowledge—whether you want to go pro or just impress your friends at the next wine night.

I’ll be sharing my study tips, wine tasting notes, and everything I learn along the way, so stay tuned! And if you’ve taken WSET before, I’d love to hear your experience—drop a comment below or DM me on Instagram @ZakiyaUncorked and or Email me on the website ZakiyaUncorked.com! 🍷✨